Baptism
Parents seeking to have a child baptized at St. Ambrose, St. Matthew, or St. Sylvester parishes must call the parish office at 724-697-4129 at least four weeks prior to the desired date for their child’s baptism. Please note that first time parents should contact the respective parish office to arrange a meeting and attend a baptism preparation session with the priest as soon as they are pregnant. Parents should also begin the selection process of a sponsor (godparent). This should be a person whose practice of the faith will inspire the child throughout their life.
Qualifications of Sponsor Eligibility
- Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
- Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
- Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be an active member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays, participate in the sacraments and holy days, not be in an irregular marriage, etc.).
- Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
- Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship. Simply stated, sponsors must obtain a document signed by their home pastor to show their eligibility to be a sponsor for baptism.
The number of sponsors
- Only one sponsor is required for baptism.
- If, two sponsors are chosen one must be male and the other female.
- If necessary, the second sponsor may be a Christian witness (i.e., a non-Catholic Christian may fulfill this role).
In the event that neither the candidate, nor the parents or guardians select a sponsor, pastors may appoint a member of the parish community to fill the role of sponsor. Many parents are often concerned that they cannot find a suitable sponsor for a variety of reasons (i.e., unavailability of family members, being new to the area or unfamiliar with parishioners, etc.).
Non-Christians may not serve as a godparent or Christian witness for a child’s baptism.
Letters of approval to serve as a sponsor cannot be issued to persons who find themselves in one or more of the following categories:
- Persons married outside of the church.
- Divorced persons who have remarried without an annulment.
- Unmarried persons who are co-cohabiting.
- Baptized Catholics who no longer practice the faith. (ex. attend a protestant